Fold up workshop

ABSTRACT

A workshop is formed of a back portion, a foldable desk, and collapsible legs. When folded, the desk latches closed, thus forming a thin profile against a mounting wall. The workshop may be easily mounted in any room in a home.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional applicationserial No. 60/433,607 filed Dec. 16, 2002. The entirety of theprovisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention is directed to a work space for household use. Inparticular, this invention is directed to a self-contained workshop thatmay be installed at any location in a home.

[0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art

[0005] Many people engage in “do-it yourself” activities and/or craftactivities in their homes. Such activities generally require acomfortable work space and space for storing the supplies and tools usedin these activities.

[0006] Unfortunately, many homes do not have appropriate or adequatework spaces. As a result, people tend to find any available table ordesk to do the activities. Often, this involves occupying the kitchentable, dining room table, or living room coffee table.

[0007] Using inappropriate work spaces can damage the temporary worksurface, with scratches, chemical abrasion or adhesives, for example.Craft and home repair supplies are also left out creating an unsightlymess and posing danger to children and pets. Moreover, it is difficultto use tools, such as screwdrivers, hammers, measuring tapes, knives, orvices, in such temporary work spaces.

[0008] Thus, there is a need for a separate work space that can beeasily installed at a convenient location and that can be put away toprevent household disruption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One aspect of embodiments of the invention is to provide aconvenient, yet unobtrusive work space.

[0010] Another aspect of embodiments of the invention is to provide awork space that can be stowed when not in use.

[0011] An additional aspect of embodiments of the invention is toprovide a work space that supports and stores tools and accessoriesassociated with do-it-yourself and craft activities.

[0012] A further aspect of embodiments of the invention is to provide awork space that is easily installed by a homeowner.

[0013] The invention is directed to a workshop comprising a back portionhaving a mounting formation, a desk pivotally mounted to the backportion and having a top work surface, wherein at least one of the backportion and the desk includes a tool support, and at least one supportleg secured to the desk. By this arrangement, the desk is foldableagainst the back portion and the leg is collapsible. Preferably, theworkshop is formed substantially of plastic.

[0014] The workshop may also include a foldable top that opens over thedesk and closes adjacent the desk against the back portion.

[0015] The invention is also directed to a desk assembly comprising aback having a fastener for fastening the desk assembly to a verticalsupport surface and a surface for supporting a first accessory, a deskcoupled to the back with a pivoting joint, wherein the desk has a worksurface and a formation for supporting a second accessory, and a pair oflegs. Each leg has a first end coupled to the desk and a second endreleasably securable to the vertical support surface. The legs arecollapsible and the desk is foldable against the back to form agenerally flat box on the vertical support surface.

[0016] The invention further includes a method for installing a workshophaving a back, a folded desk, and collapsible legs. The method comprisesthe steps of fastening a mounting hook on a vertical support surface,hanging the workshop on the mounting hook, locating and fastening legsupport brackets on the vertical support surface, and unfolding the deskfrom the back and securing the legs to the leg support brackets.

[0017] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent inview of the following drawings and detailed disclosure of preferredembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawings, which form part of the original disclosure,illustrate various views of the invention in which:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the workshop in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention in the unfolded condition;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a side view of the workshop of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a front view of the workshop of FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a back view of the workshop of FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a front view of the workshop in accordance with theembodiment of FIG. 1 in the folded condition;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a side view of the workshop of FIG. 5 shown spaced fromthe vertical support surface;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a bottom partial view of the top of the workshop inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0026]FIG. 8 shows a step in the method of installation in accordancewith the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] An embodiment of the workshop 10 in accordance with thisinvention is shown in FIG. 1 mounted on a vertical support surface, suchas a wall 12, and in an open condition. The workshop 10 includes a backportion 14 that is mounted to the wall 12, a desk 16, support legs 18and a top 20.

[0028] The back portion 14 is formed as an open, shallow box. As seen inFIGS. 1-4, the back portion 14 has a generally planar base 22 with afront surface 24 (seen in FIG. 3) and a back surface 26 (seen in FIG.4.) Preferably, the base 22 has a plurality of perforations 28, thuscreating a peg board. Alternatively, the base 22 can have a peg boardinsert. The back portion can be molded of plastic with reinforcing ribs30, as seen in FIG. 4, on the back surface 26 of base 22. Of course, anyrigid material could be used, including wood or metal. The back surface26 has a plurality of channels 32 that slidably receive a mounting bar34, preferably made of metal and having a series of apertures 36therein. Spacers 33 may also be formed on the back surface 26 to createa gap between the back surface 26 and the vertical support surface toaccommodate the mounting structure and ensure that the workshop 10 isstably mounted. Preferably, the spacers 33 are integrally molded tabs.

[0029] Back portion 14 also includes a pair of opposed side walls 36, abottom side wall 38, and a top side wall 40 extending outwardly from thebase 22. Side walls 36 preferably include interior grooves 42 formounting shelves. The outer surface of side walls 36 have a plurality offastener formations 44 shaped as an ear with an aperture therethrough.Of course, any known fastener formation can be used. Preferably, atleast two of the fastener formations 44 align with the apertures 36 inbar 34, as is explained in more detail below.

[0030] Latches 46 are mounted on the outer surface of side walls 36 andcan be formed as a releasable handle. The outer surface also has notches48 formed therein that function as electrical cord passages. Of course,such notches 48 can be formed at any location on the back portion 14,including the bottom side wall 38, if desired, and top side wall 40 asshown in FIG. 1. It is preferred, although not necessary, that each sidewall 36 be mirror images of each other for economical manufacturing andto provide versatility during installation.

[0031] The bottom side wall 38 forms a horizontal surface when theworkshop 10 is mounted on wall 12. Preferably, cubbies or compartments50 are formed in the bottom side wall 38 to store items, such as hooksfor the pegboard or any other type of accessory. The compartments 50 maybe of any shape or number and may have covers if desired.

[0032] The corner of each side wall 36 and the bottom side wall 38define pivotal hinges 52 that connect to desk 16. A center hinge 54 mayalso be provided for stability.

[0033] Desk 16 is also preferably made from molded plastic with a bottomsurface 56 having reinforcing ribs 58, as seen in FIG. 5. The topsurface 60, best seen in FIG. 1, preferably has a sturdy, flat workingsurface 62. In a preferred embodiment, the working surface 62 is made asa replaceable wooden insert. The insert is preferably secured byadhesive, but it may also be fastened by screws 64 or other fasteningmethods. The top surface 60 can also have a contoured niche 66 forholding a can or cup, an open compartment 68, and a compartment 70 witha cover. Of course, any configuration is possible, including any numberand combination of niches and compartments or an entirely flat surface.A series of key holes 72 are also provided along each side of the desk16. Each key hole 72 is shaped as a notched circle so that differentaccessories can be inserted into the hole and then turned to lock themin place.

[0034] One such accessory shown in FIG. 1 is a vice or clamp 74 having afirst piece 76 that may be inserted in any one of the key holes 72 tocreate a fixed position and an adjustable second piece 78 that may beinserted at the first key hole 72. The second piece 78 has a crank thatcauses the end to move linearly to and from the first piece 76 in orderto clamp an object in place. The vice 74 may be removed and stored incompartment 70, if desired. In that case, compartment 70 may also havekey holes 72 to prevent the vice 74 from moving within the compartment70.

[0035] Desk 16 also preferably has a series of slots 80 on each sidethat receive hooks 82. Hooks 82 may be added as needed and stowed in anyof the various compartments 50, 68 or 70. As seen in FIG. 6, hooks 82can be left in place when the desk 16 is in the folded condition toallow tools or the like to be hung when the workshop 10 is in the stowedposition.

[0036] Each side of the desk 16 also has a cut out portion 84 thataligns with the latches 46 when the desk 16 is folded against the backportion 14. The latches 46 hook the cut out portions 84 to securely holdthe desk 16 in the folded position. The cut out portions 84 also providea hand hold for a user when maneuvering the desk 16 into and out of thefolded position.

[0037] At the top of the back portion 14, the top 20 is pivotallysecured. Similar to the desk 16, each corner of the side walls 36 andthe top wall 40 has a pivotal hinge 86 that allows the cover 20 to openout and fold flat. The hinge 86 may be self locking so that the cover 20stays in an open position when pivoted beyond a certain point untilslight pressure is exerted on the cover 20 to fold it down.Alternatively, locking hinge levers 87 can be provided as shown in FIGS.1 and 2. Again, the cover 20 is preferably formed of molded plastic.

[0038] As seen in FIG. 7, the interior of the cover 20 is hollow and mayhave a mounting formation 89 for attachment of a light, for example afluorescent light fixture. The mounting formation 89 may be anintegrally molded channel configured to receive a fastener to mount aconventional fluorescent fixture or may be pre-molded aperture orreinforced area for receiving a fastener. Preferably, the cover 20includes a locking portion 88 that interacts with the desk 16 when inthe folded condition to lock the desk 16 in place. The locking portion88 is preferably a cut out with a slot designed to receive a separatelock, but it may be another known type of securing mechanism. Whenfolded, the cover 20 can abut the desk 16 or a portion can be overlappedby a lip on the desk. However, It is not necessary to include a top 20and, if omitted, the desk 16 can be enlarged to match the size of theback portion 14.

[0039] The legs 18 are pivotally secured to the bottom surface 56 of thedesk 16 to mounting flanges 90, best seen in FIG. 5. The legs 18 canalso be formed of plastic, but may be wooden or metal if desired. Thelegs 18 are preferably sized to fit within the back portion 14 flat onthe base 22 for shipping. By this configuration, the workshop 10 can beshipped and stored in an efficient rectangular configuration. It ispreferred that the legs 18 be mounted to the vertical surface 12, as ashorter leg may be used, using leg support brackets 92. Brackets 92 areformed of a plate having plural apertures 94 and a hinge 96. The end ofeach leg 18 is releasably secured to the hinge 96. It is also possibleto configure the legs 18 to extend perpendicular to the desk 16 and besupported by the floor. In that case, the legs 18 could be extendable ina telescoping manner or formed of plural interconnected shorter parts.Of course, bracket 92 would then not be necessary.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 6, the workshop 10 is shown slightly spacedfrom the wall 12 to illustrate the method of installation. First,mounting hooks 98 are fastened to the wall. It is recommended that hooks98 be fastened to a solid or masonry wall or directly to wall studs toprovide adequate strength to support the workshop 10. Preferably, twohooks 98 are used, however any number of hooks 98 necessary to supportthe workshop 10 may be used. The hooks 98 should be mounted at the samevertical position using a level.

[0041] After the hooks 98 are securely mounted to the wall 12, theworkshop 10 may be installed. The workshop 10 in its stowed, foldedcondition is lifted to hang the bar 34 (seen in FIG. 4) on the hooks 98.Once the bar 34 is securely mounted on the hooks 98, the latches 46should be released to unfold the desk 16 allowing it to hang down. Thelegs 18, which are preferably stored in the back portion 14, are removedand put aside. Then, the workshop 10 is adjusted horizontally from sideto side by sliding to ensure that the openings in the base 22 arealigned with the openings 36 in the bar 34. Fasteners are then insertedthrough the aligned openings and attached through the base 22 and thebar 34 to the wall 12. Additional fasteners are used to fasten theworkshop 10 securely to the wall 12 at the formations 44 and if desiredthrough other apertures in the base 22.

[0042] Other methods of securing the workshop 10 to a support surfaceare also contemplated. For example, the base 22 can be directly adheredto the wall 12 or directly fastened to the wall 12, by screws forinstance. Alternatively, the mounting hooks 98 can be adhesively securedto the wall 12 or other types of mounting elements could be used. Itwould also be possible to hang the workshop 10 against the wall 12 froman upper support structure.

[0043] The desk 16 is next folded and secured into a stowed position.The legs 18 are attached to hinges 90 by securing the pivot pins in thehinge to the end of each leg 18. The legs 18 can also be secured by asnap fit connection, if desired, with a ball and detent arrangement. Asseen FIG. 8, to position the brackets 92, a template 100 cut from thepackage for the workshop 10 or supplied as an instruction sheet is used.The template 100 is positioned beneath the mounted workshop 10 and thebracket outlines are positioned. The apertures 94 are positioned at anappropriate location on the wall 12, such as at a wall stud. Thebrackets 92 have multiple apertures 94 so that the optimal position maybe established to provide a stable support. After the brackets 92 areproperly positioned, each bracket is fastened to the wall 12. Theworkshop 10 may now be opened for use. The locking formation 88 isreleased and the latches 46 are opened to open the desk 16 into ahorizontal, open work position. The legs 18 are pivoted into positionand the ends are secured, preferably snapped or hooked, into the hinges96.

[0044] Once the desk 16 is opened, accessories may be added. Hooks canbe hung on the pegboard base 22. Shelves may be installed between sidewalls 36. Hooks 82 can be slid into slots 80 and the vice 74 can beinstalled. Of course, other accessories may be used if desired or noaccessories at all. As noted above, a light fixture may be mounted inthe top 20. Any electrical accessories, including the light fixture, maybe threaded through the back portion 14 and top 20 to hide theelectrical cords, which may be then passed through notches 48.

[0045] It can be understood that the workshop 10 may be quickly andeasily folded out of the way by stowing any loose accessories or items,folding down the top 20, releasing the legs 18, folding the desk 16 uptoward the back portion 14 and engaging the latches 46, and then lockingthe assembly if desired. Then, the workshop 10 lies in a relatively flatmanner against a wall 12, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0046] The workshop 10 may be used in any location supported by avertical surface. For example, the workshop 10 may be installed in aroom, a basement, or a garage. The workshop 10 could also be installedoutdoors against an exterior wall, if desired.

[0047] The workshop 10 described herein can be modified in various waysand remain within the scope of this invention. For example, theparticular detachable elements and their corresponding supportstructures can take various configurations depending on the desired usefor the workshop. Additionally, it is contemplated that the workshop canbe formed in various sizes, including a small child size workshop or alarge heavy duty workshop that would support power tools and their use.

What is claimed is:
 1. A workshop comprising: a back portion having amounting formation; a desk pivotally mounted to the back portion andhaving a top work surface, wherein at least one of the back portion andthe desk includes a tool support; and at least one support leg securedto the desk, wherein the desk is foldable against the back portion andthe leg is collapsible.
 2. The workshop of claim 1, wherein the backportion is formed as an open box with a base and surrounding side walls.3. The workshop of claim 2, wherein the base includes a peg board. 4.The workshop of claim 2, wherein the desk folds adjacent the side walls.5. The workshop of claim 2, wherein at least one of the side wallsincludes compartments.
 6. The workshop of claim 2, wherein two opposedside walls include shelf supports.
 7. The workshop of claim 1, furthercomprising a latch supported by one of the back portion and the desk anda hook supported by the other of the back portion and the desk toreleasably secure the desk to the back portion when folded.
 8. Theworkshop of claim 1, wherein the top work surface of the desk has a hardplate portion and a compartment.
 9. The workshop of claim 8, wherein thecompartment has a cover.
 10. The workshop of claim 1, wherein the deskincludes a vice mount.
 11. The workshop of claim 10, further comprisinga detachable vice having a first portion fixedly mounted to the worksurface of the desk and a second portion mounted to the work surface ofthe desk that is movable relative to the first portion.
 12. The workshopof claim 1, wherein the desk has hook supports positioned to beaccessible when the desk is folded.
 13. The workshop of claim 12,further comprising hooks detachably mounted to the desk.
 14. Theworkshop of claim 1, wherein the back portion has at least oneelectrical cord passage.
 15. The workshop of claim 1, wherein themounting formation is a hanger that is horizontally adjustable.
 16. Theworkshop of claim 15, wherein the hanger is a bar and further comprisinghooks that support the bar.
 17. The workshop of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one leg support bracket having a mounting formationthat mounts to a support and a leg support, wherein the leg is removablyattached to the leg support.
 18. The workshop of claim 1, wherein the atleast one leg comprises two legs pivotally coupled to the desk.
 19. Theworkshop of claim 1, further comprising a top pivotally secured to theback portion, wherein the top is movable between an open position and afolded position.
 20. The workshop of claim 19, wherein the top extendsover the desk in the open position and folds adjacent the desk in thefolded position.
 21. The workshop of claim 20, wherein the top includesa locking structure for locking the top to the desk in the foldedposition, thus forming a generally flat outer surface.
 22. The workshopof claim 19, wherein the top includes a light support.
 23. The workshopof claim 1, wherein the back portion and the desk are made substantiallyof plastic.
 24. A desk assembly comprising: a back having a fastener forfastening the desk assembly to a vertical support surface and a surfacefor supporting a first accessory; a desk coupled to the back with apivoting joint, wherein the desk has a work surface and a formation forsupporting a second accessory; and a pair of legs, each having a firstend coupled to the desk and a second end releasably securable to thevertical support surface, wherein the legs are collapsible and the deskis foldable against the back to form a generally flat box on thevertical support surface.
 25. The desk assembly of claim 24, wherein theback and the desk are formed of plastic.
 26. A method for installing aworkshop having a back, a folded desk, and collapsible legs, comprisingthe steps of: fastening a mounting hook on a vertical support surface;hanging the workshop on the mounting hook; locating and fastening legsupport brackets on the vertical support surface; and unfolding the deskfrom the back and securing the legs to the leg support brackets.
 27. Themethod of claim 26, wherein hanging the workshop includes sliding theworkshop relative to the vertical support surface to adjust the lateralposition of the workshop on the vertical support surface.
 28. The methodof claim 26, wherein locating the leg support brackets includespositioning a template on the vertical support surface and marking thelocation of each leg support bracket for fastening.
 29. The method ofclaim 26, wherein the workshop includes a top, and unfolding the deskincludes unfolding the top.